Metal section

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a metal profile having an elongated base section ( 2 ). The base section ( 2 ) comprises at least two longitudinal sections ( 8 ) that run parallel to each other and that are connected to each other at several connecting points by way of connecting elements ( 12 ) configured in one piece with the longitudinal sections ( 8 ). A predetermined distance ( 19 ) is provided between the longitudinal sections ( 8 ) and is bridged in sections by the connecting elements ( 12 ) for connecting the longitudinal sections ( 8 ). The base section ( 2 ) is provided with at least one through-opening ( 23 ), extending from one of the longitudinal sections ( 8 ) across the distance ( 19 ) to the other longitudinal section ( 8 ). At least one two-part edge ( 24 ) of the through-opening ( 23 ) extending over the distance ( 19 ) is covered by a separate cover element ( 27, 31 ), extending along the edge ( 24 ) from the one longitudinal section ( 8 ) of the base section ( 2 ) across the distance ( 19 ) to the other longitudinal section ( 8 ).

The present invention relates to a metal section having an elongated base section, wherein the base section comprises at least two longitudinal portions which extend parallel to one another and are connected to one another at a plurality of connection points via connection elements formed in one piece with the longitudinal portions.

Metal sections of this kind are known, for example, from WO 2004/055289 A1 and can in particular be used as C-shaped vertical or vertical sections for dry construction. An elongated metal element is, for example, provided with a preset cutting pattern which serves for the expansion of the metal element and for the production of the connection elements for the manufacture of the metal sections. Corresponding cutting patterns are described in WO 2004/055289 A1 whose content, in particular relating to the cutting patterns described in this reference, is herewith explicitly included in the disclosure content of the present application.

As is described in WO 2004/055289 A1, on the choice of suitable cutting patterns, two longitudinal portions of the metal element can be drawn apart in a folding process such that a widening of the metal element takes place without any additional material effort and the longitudinal portions which are drawn apart are connected to one another via connection elements formed integrally with the longitudinal portions.

With such metal sections and in particular with vertical sections, it is often desirable that leadthrough openings are provided through which, for example, cables, leads or other elongated band-like or cord-like elements can be led. If such leadthrough openings are produced by punching out corresponding holes in the base section, there is the problem that the edges of the leadthrough openings produced are relatively sharp-edged and, when cables or leads are led through their insulation, can be damaged or the elongated elements can be cut through completely.

Furthermore, independently of the cutting patterns used, a spacing can arise between the longitudinal portions of the base section on the widening procedure of the metal section. If the leadthrough opening is arranged so that it extends across this spacing, the stiffness of the metal section is weakened in this region, on the one hand, and an element led through the leadthrough opening can enter into the passage formed by the spacing between the two longitudinal portions of the metal section, on the other hand. This is unwanted since it can result in a jamming of the element and at the same time the risk of damage to the element is increased further.

It is an object of the present invention to develop a metal section of the initially named kind such that cables, leads or the like can be led through the metal section without any damage arising to the elements led through, with at the same time a jamming of the leads being prevented and a high stiffness of the metal section being present.

Starting from a metal section of the initially named kind, this object is satisfied in accordance with the invention in that a preset spacing is present between the longitudinal portions, in that the spacing from the connection elements is bridged region-wise for the connection of the longitudinal portions, in that at least one leadthrough opening is provided in the base section, in that the leadthrough opening extends from one of the longitudinal portions across the spacing to the other longitudinal portion, and in that at least one edge divided into two of the leadthrough opening which extends across the spacing is covered by a separate cover element which extends along the edge from the one longitudinal portion of the base section across the spacing to the other longitudinal portion.

A plurality of essential functions are realized in a single component by the cover element. On the one hand, a bridging is carried out of the sharp edge of the passage opening produced in a punching process, for example, so that the leads, cables or the like which are led through the leadthrough opening do not come into contact with the sharp edge, but rather with the cover element. Damage to the insulation of corresponding cables, leads or the like or a cutting through is thereby reliably prevented by the elements led through the leadthrough opening. At the same time, it is ensured by the cover element that a spacing between the longitudinal portions produced by the drawing apart of the longitudinal portions is bridged such that cables, leads or the like led through the leadthrough opening cannot fall into this spacing and be jammed there, for example. Finally, an additional connection is produced between the longitudinal portions by the cover element just in that region of the metal section which is weakened by the leadthrough opening and the spacing formed between the longitudinal portions, whereby the stiffness of the metal section is increased in this region.

In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover element substantially extends over the total length of the edge divided into two. It is thereby ensured that, independently of the position of the cables, leads or the like led through the leadthrough opening, their insulation is reliably protected. Furthermore, in this case, a maximum stability of the metal section is achieved.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover element is firmly connected to the longitudinal portions. The cover element can be connected to the longitudinal portions in this respect, for example, by a pressure joining method such as clinching, by jamming, squeezing, pressing, welding, screwing or riveting. The firmer the connection between the cover element and the longitudinal portions, the greater the stiffness of the metal section.

In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the edge of the leadthrough opening is engaged over and in particular encompassed by the cover element. This can be sensible, for example, if there is no sufficient area of the base section in the region of the edge divided into two to which the cover element can be fastened by a pressure joining method, for example. In this case, the cover element can, for example, arise from a lengthways slit sleeve which is pushed over the edge divided into two and is squeezed or pressed with the longitudinal portions.

In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover element comprises a part separated from a base section of a metal element for the formation of a leadthrough opening. The cover element in this case thus comprises a waste element which arises on the formation of a leadthrough opening. No additional material requirement thus arises for the formation of the cover element due to the reuse of this waste element so that the costs for a metal section in accordance with the invention are not increased despite improved properties. In this respect, the waste element can be the part which has arisen on the production of the leadthrough opening to be provided with the cover element or it can be a waste element which arose on the production of another leadthrough opening.

The cover element is preferably made as a punched part. The cover element furthermore advantageously has a substantially rectangular shape, whereby a simple covering of the edge divided into two of the leadthrough opening is possible and, at the same time, a straight contact edge is formed by the cover element for the leads, cables or the like led through the leadthrough opening.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover element includes a bent over edge which extends across the spacing and in particular has a rounded upper side. It is ensured by this design that the insulation of a lead, a cable or the like led over the bent over edge is not damaged and that, at the same time, an entangling is prevented.

In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the leadthrough opening has a substantially rectangular shape, in particular a substantially square shape. The length of the leadthrough opening in the longitudinal direction of the metal element is advantageously substantially the same as the width of the leadthrough opening, including the spacing between the longitudinal portions of the metal element. It is achieved by this design that the waste elements arising on the production of the leadthrough openings automatically have the optimum length to be able to completely cover the edge divided into two arising after the drawing apart of the longitudinal portions, including the spacing between the longitudinal portions.

In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the leadthrough opening comprises two edges divided into two, with both edges each being covered by a cover element. The two edges are in particular disposed opposite one another and preferably transversely to the longitudinal extent of the metal section. It is thereby ensured that the respective lower edge of the leadthrough opening is covered by a cover element independently of the direction of installation of the metal section. Since cables, leads or the like led through the leadthrough normally lie on the lower edge of the leadthrough opening, a protected support of the cables, leads or the like is thus achieved independently of the direction of installation of the metal section.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of leadthrough openings are formed in the base section, in particular at regular intervals. They can each be covered by a cover element made in accordance with the invention. The flexibility in the leading through of the leads, cables or the like is thereby further increased.

In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one limb angled with respect to the base section is adjacent to the base section at the side. Correspondingly angled limbs can advantageously be provided at both sides of the base section. Different shapes of sections can thus be manufactured as required. The connection elements can in this respect generally be formed in the base section, in a single limb, in a plurality of limbs or in the base section and in the limbs. It is also possible that the base section itself includes an angled portion and that the spacing is arranged in the region of the angled or close thereto. The cover element is then preferably made as an angled element in order also to achieve a covering of the spacing in this case. The angled portion of the spacing element in this respect advantageously extends substantially parallel to the angled portion of the base section.

The metal section is preferably made as a C-section, a U-section, an L-section or a Z-section. The metal section in accordance with the invention can generally also be used for other suitable section types.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal portions are drawn apart by the preset spacing by a folding or stretching process. The invention is, however, generally also usable when the preset spacing is produced by a different process.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection elements include connection webs via which they are connected to the longitudinal portions. In this respect, the connection webs are in particular folded over both with respect to the longitudinal portions and with respect to regions of the connection elements bridging the spacing. The invention is, however, also applicable with a different design of the connection elements.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

The invention will be described in more detail in the following with reference to embodiments and to the drawings; there are shown in these:

FIG. 1 a detail of a strip-shaped metal element with cutting patterns for the production of a metal section made in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 the metal element of FIG. 1 after the drawing apart of the two longitudinal portions;

FIG. 3 two waste elements which arise on the production of the leadthrough openings and which are used to produce the cover elements;

FIG. 4 a first embodiment of a cover element;

FIG. 5 a leadthrough opening provided with two cover elements in accordance with FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 a longitudinal portion along the line A-A from FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 a second embodiment of a cover element;

FIG. 8 a longitudinal portion corresponding to the longitudinal portion of FIG. 6 when using the cover element of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 a C-section made in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an elongated, flat metal element 1 which includes a base section 2 extending in the longitudinal direction as well as two portions 3 which are adjacent to the base section at the side and which can each be bent over by 90° along a dashed line 5 to produce limbs 4 (FIG. 9) so that a vertical section 6 shown in FIG. 9 is produced. In this respect, outwardly disposed marginal regions 7 of the portions 3 can again be angled by 90° with respect to the limbs 4 to produce a C-shaped vertical section 6 in this mariner.

The base section 2 includes two longitudinal portions 8 which extend parallel to one another and which are made symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis 9 of the metal element 1.

A plurality of incisions are formed in the base section 2. A plurality of longitudinal incisions 10 extend along the longitudinal axis 10 and a plurality of obliquely extending incisions 11 extend from them into the base section 2 to form connection elements 12. Further obliquely extending incisions 13 are provided parallel to the obliquely extending incisions 11, with in each case two respective outwardly disposed incisions 13 being connected to one another by incisions 14 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 9. Whereas three respective oblique incisions 11, 13 extending parallel to one another are shown in FIG. 2, generally in each case only two or more than three oblique incisions extending in parallel can also be provided.

Incisions 15 extending perpendicularly outwardly from the longitudinal incision 10 are provided between two connection elements 12 and their outwardly facing ends are each connected to one another via incisions 16 expending parallel to the longitudinal axis 9.

Two parts 17 are cut out of the base section 2 by the incisions 15, 16 and by the region 10′ of one of the longitudinal incisions 10 arranged between the incisions 15 and are used for the formation of cover elements, as will be described in the following.

After or during the production of the longitudinal incisions 10 and of the incisions 11 and 13 to 16, for example by rotary punching, laser cutting or any other suitable cutting or punching process, the longitudinal portions 8 are each drawn apart transversely to the longitudinal axis 9 together with the portions 3 adjoining them, as is indicated by arrows 18 in FIG. 1, so that the drawn-apart state of the metal element 1 shown in FIG. 2 is achieved.

It can be recognized from FIG. 2 that a spacing 19 arises between the longitudinal portions 8 by the drawing apart, said spacing being bridged region-wise by the connection elements 12 for the connection of the longitudinal portions 8. A longitudinal passage 20 by which the longitudinal portions 8 are separated from one another is formed by the spacing 19.

On the expanding of the metal element 1, the metal regions of the base sections 2 which are present between the obliquely extending incisions 11 and 13 and which form connection webs 21 of the connection elements 12 are folded over both with respect to the longitudinal portions 8 and with respect to main regions 22 of the connection elements 12 bridging the spacing 19.

Furthermore, on the expanding of the metal element 1, a leadthrough opening 23 arises whose width and height are substantially of equal size and which extends from the longitudinal portion 8 shown at the left in FIG. 2 across the spacing 19 into the longitudinal portion 8 shown at the right in FIG. 2.

Due to the longitudinal passage 20 formed by the spacing 19, the edges of the leadthrough openings 23 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis 9 are each formed as edges 24 divided into two and each having two halves 24′. Together with edges 35 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 9 and two imaginary connection lines respectively connecting the two halves 24′ of the edges 24 divided into two and indicated by dashed lines 25 in FIG. 2, the edges 24 divided into two form a border of the leadthrough opening 23. Within the framework of the present invention, the edge 24 divided into two is therefore also called an edge divided into two extending across the spacing 19.

The leadthrough opening 23 serves for the leading through of elongate elements such as leads, cables, cords, wires, bands or the like. It is problematic with this that the edges 24 divided into two are usually made with relatively sharp edges so that there is a risk that the insulation of corresponding leads or cables can be damaged or that the elongate elements can be cut through completely. There is furthermore the risk that elongate elements led through the leadthrough openings 23 do not come to lie on one of the halves 24′ of the edge 24 divided into two, but rather slide into the longitudinal passage 20 and jam there. Finally, the stiffness of the metal element 1 is reduced in the region of the relatively large leadthrough opening 23 with respect to the remaining regions.

To eliminate these problems, in accordance with the invention, a cover element bridging the spacing 19 is fastened to the longitudinal portions 8, as will be described in more detail in the following with reference to different embodiments.

The parts 17 are shown in FIG. 3 which are cut out of the base section 2 on the production of the incisions 15, 16 as well as of the region 10′ of the longitudinal incision 10. The parts 17 are made as elongate, rectangular parts, with their length in each case corresponding to the width of the leadthrough opening 23 in the expanded state of the metal element 1 transversely to the longitudinal axis 9. The parts 17 are thus waste elements which are usually supplied to scrap metal recycling.

In accordance with the invention, in a first embodiment, each of the parts 17 are bent over at one of their respective longitudinal sides 26 so that a cover element 27 in accordance with FIG. 4 is formed. The cover element 27 thus has a bent over edge 28 with a rounded upper side.

The two parts 17 reshaped accordingly to form cover elements 27 are each connected to the longitudinal portions 8 via clinch points 29 in accordance with FIGS. 5 and 6, with the bent over edge 28 respectively extending parallel to the edges 24 divided into two and these edges thus being covered by the cover elements 27. When a cable 30 is led through the leadthrough opening 23, the cable 30 thus lies on the bent over edge 28 made in rounded form so that there is no risk of damage to the insulation of the cable 30. Furthermore, it is ensured by the bridging of the spacing 19 that the cable 30 cannot fall into the longitudinal passage 20 and jam there. Finally, the stiffness of the metal element 1 is also increased in this region by the cover element 27 firmly connected to the two longitudinal portions 8.

In accordance with FIG. 4, the parts 17 can also be reshaped as a sleeve 32 having a longitudinal slit 33 for the formation of a cover element 31. This is in particular advantageous when there is not sufficient material available for a fastening in the region of the edges 24 divided into two, for example for clinching, riveting or screwing. The cover element 31 can, in accordance with FIG. 8, in each case be placed onto the edges 24 divided into two such that they are engaged over at the side by longitudinal edges 34 of the cover element 31 respectively bounding the longitudinal slit 33. The cover element 31 in this respect again advantageously extends over the total width of the edges 24 divided into two.

For further fastening, the cover element 31 can subsequently be squeezed or pressed with the longitudinal portions 8 so that a reliable connection is provided between the cover elements 31 and the longitudinal portions 8 of the metal element 1.

As can be recognized from FIG. 8, a cable 30 led through the leadthrough opening 23 also contacts the rounded upper side of the cover element 31 in this case so that no damage to the insulation of the cable 30 can take place.

In FIG. 9, a C-shaped vertical section 6 is shown which is manufactured from the metal element 1 and is made in accordance with the invention and wherein a cable 30 is led through the leadthrough opening 23. For reasons of clarity, no further leadthrough openings 23 or connection elements 12 are drawn in the lower region of the vertical section 6. Depending on demands, a plurality of leadthrough openings 23 as well as connection elements 12 can, however, be provided in this region and they can be made in accordance with the leadthrough openings 23 or connection elements 12 described above.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

1 metal element

2 base section

3 portions

4 limb

5 lines

6 vertical section

7 marginal regions

8 longitudinal portions

9 longitudinal axis

10 longitudinal incisions

10′ region of a longitudinal incision

11 incisions

12 connection elements

13 incisions

14 incisions

15 incisions

16 incisions

17 arrows

18 arrows

19 spacing

20 longitudinal passage

21 connection webs

22 main regions

23 leadthrough opening

24 edges divided into two

24′ halves of the edges divided into two

25 dashed lines

26 longitudinal sides

27 cover element

28 bent over edge

29 clinch points

30 cable

31 cover element

32 sleeve

33 longitudinal slit

34 longitudinal edges

35 edge 

1. A metal section having an elongated base section (2), wherein the base section (2) comprises at least two longitudinal portions (8) which extend parallel to one another and which are connected to one another at a plurality of connection points via connection elements formed in one piece with the longitudinal portions (8), characterized in that a preset spacing (19) is present between the longitudinal portions (8); in that the spacing (19) is bridged region-wise by the connection elements (12) for the connection of the longitudinal portions (8); in that at least one leadthrough opening (23) is provided in the base section (2); in that the leadthrough opening (23) extends from one of the longitudinal portions (8) across the spacing (19) to the other longitudinal portion (8); and in that at least one edge (24) divided into two of the leadthrough opening (23) extending across the spacing (19) is covered by a separate cover element (27, 31) which extends along the edge (24) from the one longitudinal portion (8) of the base section (2) across the spacing (19) to the other longitudinal portion (8).
 2. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the cover element (27, 31) extends substantially over the total length of the edge (24).
 3. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the cover element (27, 31) is firmly connected to the longitudinal portions (8).
 4. A metal section in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the cover element (27, 31) is connected to the longitudinal portions (8) by a pressure joining process, by jamming, squeezing, pressing, welding, screwing, adhesively bonding or riveting.
 5. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the edge (24) of the leadthrough opening (23) is engaged over and in particular encompassed by the cover element (27, 31).
 6. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the cover element (27, 31) is made of a part (17) cut out of a base section (2) of a metal element (1) for the formation of a leadthrough opening (23).
 7. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the cover element (27, 31) is made as a punched part.
 8. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the cover element (27, 31) has a substantially rectangular shape.
 9. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the cover element (27, 31) includes a bent over edge (28) which extends across the spacing (19) and in particular has a rounded upper side.
 10. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the leadthrough opening (23) has a substantially rectangular shape, in particular a substantially square shape.
 11. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the length of the leadthrough opening (23) in the longitudinal direction of the metal element (1) is substantially equal to the width of the leadthrough opening (23), including the spacing (19) between the longitudinal portions (8) of the metal element (1).
 12. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the leadthrough opening (23) includes two edges (24) divided into two; and in that both edges (24) are each covered by a cover element (27, 31).
 13. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of leadthrough openings (23) are formed in the base section (2), in particular at regular intervals.
 14. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least one limb (4) angled with respect to the base section (2) is adjacent to the base section (2) at the side.
 15. A metal section in accordance with claim 14, characterized in that in each case a limb (4) angled with respect to the base section (2) is adjacent to both sides of the base section (2).
 16. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the metal section is made as a C-section, a U-section, an L-section or a Z-section.
 17. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal portions (8) are drawn apart by the preset spacing (19) by a folding or stretching process.
 18. A metal section in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the connection elements (12) include connection webs (21) via which they are connected to the longitudinal portions (8).
 19. A metal section in accordance with claim 18, characterized in that the connection webs (21) are folded over both with respect to the longitudinal portions (8) and with respect to main regions (22) of the connection elements (12) bridging the spacing (19). 